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Curcumin nanoemulsions inhibit oral squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation by PI3K/Akt/mTOR suppression and

Wei Liu1,2,3, Jian Wang1, Chenping Zhang2,3

  • 1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Fengcheng Hospital of Fengxian District, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Fengcheng Branch Hospital, Shanghai, China.

Oral Diseases
|June 11, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Curcumin loaded nanoemulsions (CUR-NEs) show potent anticancer effects against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by inhibiting cell proliferation. CUR-NEs also modulate key molecular pathways, suggesting therapeutic potential for OSCC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Curcumin (CUR) exhibits anticancer properties against oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
  • Low bioavailability of CUR limits its clinical application.
  • Lipid nanoemulsions (NEs) significantly enhance CUR bioavailability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the in vitro effect of CUR-NEs on OSCC cell proliferation.
  • Explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of CUR-NEs in OSCC.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro cell culture of OSCC HSC-3 cells.
  • Treatment with CUR-NEs at varying doses and times.
  • Analysis of cell proliferation, cell cycle phases, and protein/miRNA expression (PI3K/Akt/mTOR, miR-199a).

Main Results:

  • CUR-NEs demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity against OSCC cells.
  • CUR-NEs reduced the percentage of cells in proliferative phases (S+G2/M).
  • CUR-NEs downregulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR and upregulated miR-199a, which targets PI3K.

Conclusions:

  • CUR-NEs show promise as an effective therapeutic agent for OSCC.
  • Inhibition of OSCC cell proliferation by CUR-NEs is linked to PI3K/Akt/mTOR suppression and miR-199a upregulation.
Keywords:
PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathwaychemopreventioncurcumin lipid nanoemulsionsmiR-199ananoparticlesoral squamous cell carcinoma

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